D-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid belongs to the family of organic tartaric acids that feature specific substitutions on the phenyl ring. This compound stands out with its two para-methoxy groups on the aromatic rings and its chiral tartaric acid backbone. It shows strong potential in specialty synthesis, chiral resolution, and fine chemical intermediates for pharmaceutical and advanced material production. Experience in chemical research consistently highlights this class of tartaric acids for the role they play in stereochemical control, which matters when developing products like targeted drugs or optical materials.
Chemically, D-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid features two methoxyphenyl groups bonded to a D-tartaric acid. The full IUPAC name describes its configuration and the location of methoxy groups. Its molecular formula typically appears as C20H20O10. The core of its structure lies in the four-carbon tartaric acid backbone, with each carboxylic acid group flanked by an aromatic ring carrying a methoxy substitution at the para position. This structural framework allows reliable chemical reactions, which synthetic chemists often use as a foundation for selective synthesis.
The physical form usually presents as a white to off-white solid, ranging from fine crystalline powder to small flaky plates depending on crystallization conditions. Some batches may form tiny pearls due to rapid solvent evaporation, while others take on a denser, more blocky crystal nature. Melting point tends to range from 105°C up to 120°C, which offers indexable consistency for quality control in manufacturing. Bulk density usually falls near 1.42 g/cm3, which influences material handling and transport safety. Solubility stands moderate in many organic solvents like ethanol, chloroform, or ether, while being only sparingly soluble in cold water. Experience in the lab shows that warming the water or using suitable co-solvents will dissolve it more effectively. Usually, it holds well in sealed containers at room conditions without considerable degradation, but moisture ingress can alter its crystalline structure.
D-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid reacts as a weak acid with two carboxylic groups accessible for derivatization or salt formation. The aromatic methoxy substituents impart electron-donating characteristics, broadening options for further chemical transformation. During reactions with bases, alcohols, or amines, its high purity leads to consistent yields and targeted results, proven repeatedly in organic synthesis. Since it remains chemically stable in most ambient chemical environments, accidental oxidation is rarely a concern unless subjected to strong oxidizers. Hands-on chemists value this for predictability in complex reaction sequences.
Specifications reflect both purity and physical integrity. Optimal grade D-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid checks in at purity higher than 99% by HPLC or titrimetric standards, with moisture content under 0.5%. Solid content is confirmed by visual clarity and absence of colored inclusions or residues. Reliable lots maintain particle size distribution in the narrow 40–80 micron range, as determined by laser diffraction. For solution forms, concentration precision matters; 1M and 0.5M solutions require volumetric calibration with standard acids or base for accuracy in analytics or further synthesis. Product lots for medical-grade application pass strict heavy metal screening with allowable lead, arsenic, and mercury well below 10 ppm, reflecting attention to safety and compliance for regulated industries.
Trade and customs categorize D-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid under HS Code 2918.19, which deals with carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function. This classification smooths import and export documentation across regions, avoids confusion in shipping manifests, and helps customs officials distinguish it from similar tartaric acid derivatives. Enterprises engaging internationally have found it worthwhile to verify the regulatory status in each destination country, especially if the compound may be classed as a precursor or regulated intermediate under chemical management authorities.
Commercial supply shows real-world differences based on end use. Research customers often prefer pre-weighed crystalline powder due to ease in transferring and accurate dosing, while factories handling multi-ton quantities demand flowable flakes or granular forms for metered feeding into reactors. Pearls allow faster dissolution in industrial preparation of solutions or raw mixtures for continuous manufacturing. Specialty distributors sell concentrated aqueous or organic solutions by the liter, saving time on in-house blending and calibrating. One company in the fine chemical sector indicated improved productivity simply by switching from bulk solid to pre-dissolved solution, reducing waste and improving process reproducibility.
Safety matters to users across the supply chain. Standard data shows low oral and dermal toxicity with limited irritation, but repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause mild inflammation, as tested on rat models and observed in industrial settings. Fume generation during high-temperature processing demands local exhaust to avoid inhalation of small particulate or vapor. Storage in dry, cool space keeps decomposition at bay; contact with strong bases, oxidizers, or open flame must be avoided. Users must equip with gloves and splash goggles, following GHS labeling standards. This acid does not fall under major chemical hazards or known carcinogens, yet regulatory compliance calls for careful waste disposal, typically as organic acid under hazardous waste codes. Workers in manufacturing often share that with careful training and simple personal protection, accidents are rare and manageable.
Common uses span chiral selector development, optical material synthesis, and as a building block in pharmaceutical R&D. The raw material importance ties directly to the ability to implant defined stereochemistry into target molecules, adding real value during drug discovery. Experience with new chemical entity synthesis makes clear that small stereochemical changes enabled by this acid alter biological activity significantly. Demand from the polymer field channels the acid into specialty resins offering unique refractive or thermal properties, reinforcing why it gets plenty of attention from chemical buyers and technical teams alike. Reliable sourcing, solid quality metrics, and consistent batch-to-batch performance all support its place as a cornerstone intermediate for synthetic and industrial chemists.
Factories producing D-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid face rising pressure to minimize waste streams and energy use, not just ensure product purity. Lessons from process optimization projects show gains via solvent recycling, using closed transfer systems, and tight quality management during crystallization. Value appears in process audits and transparent reporting, since both buyers and regulators want traceability for each raw material. Some producers have adopted renewable power or greener solvents to cut environmental impact without sacrificing purity or yield. This approach delivers more than regulatory box-ticking; it builds customer trust and loyalty in an era where E-E-A-T, traceability, and responsible sourcing rank as high as specifications and price.
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